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10 prep volleyball players to watch for this season

Chillicothe's Sophie Fulkerson serves against Washington Court House last season. Fulkerson, now a sophomore, quickly solidified herself as one of the area's best young talents.(Photo: Gazette file photo)Buy Photo

CHILLICOTHE - This coming Saturday, the Scioto Valley Conference will hold its annual volleyball preview at Huntington High School.

The following week, each game counts.

With that in mind, just nine days away from the start of the regular season, here’s a look at 10 area volleyball players you may have overlooked last season.

Augusta Hooks, Huntington (OH): As a junior, Hooks played a quiet role in helping the Huntsmen win their first district title in five years. She ended 2016 with 119 kills, 69 digs and 32 assists. Expect her to take on an expanded role as a captain this fall.

Darby Beavers, Westfall (S): In 69 sets last season, Beavers tallied 31 kills, 28 aces, 206 digs and 508 assists. That's quite the year for a junior. Now a senior, Beavers is arguably the best player the Mustangs have and one of the best in the entire SVC.

Sophie Fulkerson, Chillicothe (OH): While she doesn't play inside the SVC, Fulkerson is a must watch as well. As a freshman last season, she quickly grew to be one of the Cavaliers' go-to players, recording 134 kills, 144 digs and 30 aces. If you haven't watched her play, she's more than worth the price of admission.

Alyssa Adkins, Paint Valley (OH): Adkins, a transfer from Chillicothe last season, will try and dig the Bearcats out of the cellar. In limited time as a junior, Adkins had 21 kills and 87 digs. Those numbers could double or even triple by the time 2017 ends.

Hannah Stark, Adena (DS): When Carly Carroll graduated, the Warriors were left with a hole in their defensive game plan. But Hannah Stark could possibly fill the role. As a freshman, Stark came up big in key games and ended her year with 155 digs in the back row. Now a sophomore, she'll only be that much better.

Maci Conley, Piketon (S): When you set the ball to Cami Chandler and Jordan Morris, you're bound to have a good year. But don't be fooled, Conley is also uber talented. The junior ended last season with 126 digs and 645 assists. She's legit.

Jessie Silcott, Waverly (MH): Down in the SOC, Waverly has a consistent middle hitter in Silcott. The senior ended 2016 with 108 kills, 29 blocks and 27 aces. Each of those numbers were second to only teammate Laken Smith, who has graduated. If you're looking for the Tigers' go-to player, Silcott could possibly be your answer.

Maddie Rann, Zane Trace (S): You read that right, Maddie Rann is now at Zane Trace. The former Chillicothe setter will now have the chance to compete in the SVC after totaling 120 digs and 238 assists with the Cavaliers a season ago. Just a junior, she could quickly morph into one of the area's best.

Jocie Fisher, Unioto (OH): With Ashley Taylor, Hannah Hall, Amanda McGlone and Abbey Winegardner all sharing kills last season, it could've been easy to overlook Fisher. But make no mistake about it, she has the potential to top leaderboards. As a sophomore in 2016, Fisher had 166 kills, 113 digs, 28 blocks and 48 aces.

Rachel Collins, Southeastern (MH): This year's version of the Panthers could be compared to a stacked deck. Right in the middle of it all is Collins, a 6-foot middle hitter. Now a senior, Collins is coming off a year in which she posted 178 kills and 50 blocks. She had a .279 hit percentage as well. Look for her to elevate this fall.